Part 658: Say'ri A
The day draws ever nearer, my lady.
What day?
The war's end. The day peace returns to the land. The day we might return home for good and all.
Yes. With luck, it will come. But I fear the road we walk is paved with the bones of good people. ...Of innocents lost.
Aye and aye again.
And poor Yen'fay among them. Do you grieve for him still?
'Twould be false to say the sadness does not haunt me. But my brother met the end he himself chose. I've come to accept it as unavoidable. What's done is done.
Liar.
M-My lady?!
Lay down your stoic mask. I know the pain tears at you still. If you are in pain, tell me that you hurt! Let me in, Say'ri.
...What would you have me say?
Not that what's done is done! Not that you can forget so easily! Was your bond so feeble that a few weeks marching might erase him from your heart?
Enough! What could you possibly ken of the bond I shared with him?!
Forget? Erase him from my heart?! 'Twould be easier to erase the heart entire! He was my brother. ...My only flesh and blood.
...Forgive me, milady. I would retract those words, if possible. It was not my hope to deepen the wound.
My lady, please... Just...
But I was desperate to hear the contents of your heart. To hear you speak frankly. I wanted you to tell me everything, Say'ri.
But why? Why me?
Because I very dearly want to be your friend.
My... friend?
Long have you stood at my side, Say'ri. Always faithfully, but never as a friend. Only as guard, disciple, and servant. I find it terribly lonesome. I think you are a beautiful person, Say'ri, and I would call you an equal. ...A friend.
I fear my lifetime is but a few short days compared to yours. Would you still have me, knowing that I cannot stay for long?
Without a moment's hesitation. I am used to loss. Do not deprive me from the joy of ever HAVING.
...As my lady wishes. Flighty, heedless, and exasperating as you may sometimes be... I like you a great deal as well. So equals it is from this day hence.
Equals, from this day hence. ...And thank you, Say'ri.